The teen years are such an important time of self discovery and the formation of identity. However, this is simultaneously contradicted by the desire to fit in and conform to the role that others have set for them. In psychology, this dichotomy is referred to as “identity versus role confusion.” This term was coined by Erik Erikson, and refers to psycho-social development of young people between 12 and 18 years old who want to stand out and fit in at the same time.
In other words, there is a delicate balance between standing out and belonging, for most, if not all, teenagers. Many have experimented with something about themselves at some point, probably having to do with their physical appearance. This could be dyeing their hair, experimenting with different fashion trends, etcetera. This all contributes to their sense of identity by having them essentially “try on” different identities to see what they like.
Identity also includes social identity, or how someone wants to be perceived by others. This is when the “role confusion” piece comes into play; due to teens not knowing their identity fully, they might try to take on one that they want others to see them as.
Their fashion aesthetics, music tastes, hobbies, career interests and more all contribute to their sense of identity, and, in a way, their sense of belonging to a group. However, sometimes this can lead to role confusion if the teen is in a different role than what they want their identity to be, in part due to the friend group they are in. If their current friend group only accepts a certain type of person, then those peers may not accept their forming sense of identity. This is the perfect example of identity versus role confusion, where there is the need to grow into one’s identity, while simultaneously feeling like they need to belong to a group.
This is amplified by globalization, with trends being set worldwide, in no small part due to the rise of social media. Teenagers around the world feel increased pressure to, again, blend in yet stand out. Social media definitely adds pressure for teens to conform to the norms that have been set for them, which often leads to negative mental health impacts, such as increased anxiety and lower self esteem. That’s not to say that social media is all bad. It’s a double edged sword. It can, in fact, be a very positive space for teens to explore their identities, too.
The viral meme “6-7,” TikTok dances, fashion trends that last less than a week, different overly “workshopped” personalities and aesthetics are examples of trends kids either clamor to or completely ignore.
There is nothing wrong with jumping on the bandwagon. However, what social media can create, beyond just the TikTok dances and outward appearances, is a sense of monoculture. If everyone dyes their hair the same color, wears the same clothes, acts the same for the most part and participates in the same trends, that would be pretty boring.
It can also lead to increased role confusion if a teen doesn’t feel like they fit in with everyone else online, so they try to conform to the norm even if it doesn’t interest them. It seems like almost no one is uniquely themselves anymore. And, whenever someone is uniquely themselves, they may be shut down because they aren’t conforming to a role.
Trends aren’t bad things, especially if you resonate with them on some level. For example, if you like a certain makeup style, certain clothes and accessories, a certain hair color, and it’s trending, then, by all means, try it out.
Trends just become harmful when someone starts to mask who they are. You can be true to your identity and participate in trends, as long as you stay true to who you are.